The ARC-Taft
Disaster and Mass Casualty plan
Policy for the people we serve at home
05/08/20
Before the disaster:
ALL OF THE PEOPLE WE SERVE SHOULD HAVE A PLAN TO EVACUATE THEIR HOME IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
· Know where to shut off the water, power, gas, and have tools at each location.
· The person you serve has practiced and knows the escape routes and meeting places.
· You have practiced the evacuation drill with the person you serve.
· The person you serve has a disaster kit (extra medication, flashlight, batteries, extra medication, food and water for 3 days).
· The person you serve has a first aid kit.
· Know where the fire extinguisher is and how to use it.
· Ice chest and ice (having water bottles in the freezer will work too) so that their food or medication stay fresh. Note that food stays cool in the refrigerator for up to 4hrs. After that you might want to transfer it over to the ice chest.
What if we are at an individual’s house and there is a power outage?
If you are serving someone at their home and there is a power outage you need to first, investigate and solve the problem the best you can. Example did you check the fuse box, did you check with neighbors to see if they have a power outage as well. If you can’t solve the problem call the PG&E 1 (800) 743-5000 to find out from them if it is an outage everyone in your area is going through. PG&E will be able to tell you how long it will take for them to assist the home where you are working. If you might be going into overtime, call the ONCALL ARC-Taft cell phone (661) 623-3692. and have them come release you. Then inform your supervisor and let them know what is going on when the situation has been solved.
Plan ahead of time if you know an emergency is about to happen.
If it is a major emergency call 9-11
What if there is an earthquake?
If you are serving someone at their home and there is an earthquake it is your responsibility to make sure they are taken care of (have food/water, medication where they can get it, have a safe area to rest, flashlight, know where they can throw away their trash, and have a place where they can use the restroom) Know where to shut off the electricity and water. Make sure that it is safe to be in the home and there are no electrical or gas leaks. Keep in mind that cell phones might be out. If possible, inform your supervisor and let them know what is going on when the situation has been solved.
What if there is a flood?
If you are serving someone at their home and there is a flood, it is your responsibility to investigate how it happened. If you can’t find the problem call the West Kern Water District (661) 763-315. They will be able to tell you if they can assist you or if you need to call a plumber. Inform your supervisor after the situation has been solved.
If it is a Disaster flood please call 9-11.
What if there is a natural disaster?
If you are serving someone at their home and there is a natural disaster, you need to make sure that they are secure and safe (have food/water, medication where they can get it, have a safe area to rest, flashlight, know where they can throw away their trash, and have a place where they can use the restroom). The cell phones might not be in order. If possible, inform your supervisor and let them know what is going on when the situation has been solved.
What if the house smells like Gas?
If the house smells like Gas you need to first investigate and make sure that it is not the stove. If not you need to take the person you are serving and yourself out of the home. Then you need to call the PG&E 1 (800) 743-5000 they will let you know how long it would take them to assist you. If you might be going into overtime call ONCALL ARC-Taft cell (661) 623-3692 so that they may release you. Inform your supervisor after the situation has been solved.
What if the Carbon Monoxide Detector goes off?
Carbon monoxide, also known as the silent killer, is an odorless and colorless gas produced by stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, as well as gas ranges and heating systems. Many people mistake the symptoms of CO poisoning for coming down with the flu.
The symptoms of carbon monoxide include:
Headache
Nausea
Dizziness
Vomiting
Confusion
Most people are more familiar with the sound of their smoke detector or fire alarm then with the sound of their carbon monoxide detector beeping. For this reason, it is important to know that when your carbon monoxide detector goes off it will sound like intermittent beeping. The sound will be much like the one your smoke detector makes when the battery needs to be changed. When this alarm sounds (intermittent beeps) it means this gas has been leaking unbeknownst to you and it has reached a dangerous level.
Call 911. Inform your supervisor after the situation has been resolved.
What if the Smoke Alarm goes off?
The smoke alarm can go off for many reasons, but If you know that something is burning inside or outside the home evacuate the house with the person you serve and call 911 immediately. Stay with the person you serve until the fire or hazard has been resolved if you know the situation might put you in overtime, call the ONCALL cell phone for The ARC (661) 6233692. Only inform your supervisor if it was a major situation and you have solved it.
What if there is a gas leak?
If there is a gas leak and you are with an individual at home you are to stay indoor with your individual until the gas leak is clear.
What if there is a virus? Like the Coronavirus?
If you have symptoms of the flu STAY HOME. Masks will not work unless you have a specialty mask. Wash your hands, cough/sneeze into the curve of your elbow. Stay tune to local news to be informed on updates and suggestions. The director will keep everyone informed on what will be done. Check your email and respond to any received as acknowledgement.
We will follow the guidelines that the California Governor suggest and California Supportive Living Network.
References
https://www.adt.com/resources/carbon-monoxide-detector-beeping
https://www.fema.gov/disaster-declaration-process
https://www.google.com/search?q=coronavirus+tips&fbx=dothefive
https://csln.wildapricot.org/page-1646798
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
